J.J. Cilliers
Papers
1
Total Citations
46
H-Index
1
About
J.J. Cilliers is a leading voice in the emerging field of Space Resource Utilisation (SRU), where his work provides the foundational architecture for turning off-world materials into sustainable infrastructure. His seminal 2019 paper, "A universal framework for Space Resource Utilisation," which has garnered 46 citations, is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the discipline. In this work, Cilliers systematically deconstructs the complex chain of activities—from prospecting and extraction to processing and manufacturing—necessary to establish a permanent human presence beyond Earth. By proposing a modular, scalable framework, he has given engineers and policymakers a common language to evaluate the feasibility of mining the Moon, asteroids, and Mars. His major contribution lies in bridging the gap between theoretical space economy models and practical engineering constraints, effectively charting a roadmap for in-situ resource utilisation. Cilliers’ research is not merely academic; it directly informs mission planning for agencies and private ventures aiming to reduce Earth-launch dependency. For students and researchers, his work is an indispensable guide to the technical and logistical challenges of building a self-sustaining spacefaring civilisation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A universal framework for Space Resource Utilisation (SRU)46 citations · 2019